by Glenn Mulbah
Celebrated on March 8 each year, International Women’s Day celebrates women and their contributions to society. In 2024, the International Women’s Day theme is Inspire Inclusion, which represents the importance of encouraging and uplifting women’s diverse perspectives and ideas.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) recently hosted an essay contest, asking students to write about women they know who value and inspire inclusion. Students wrote about mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends, coworkers, teachers and more. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, all of these women have inspired and empowered those around them. This essay was selected for publication in The Penmen Review.
In the heart of our bustling neighborhood resides a woman whose unwavering dedication to fostering inclusion has left an indelible mark on those around her. Mrs. Rodriguez is not only a pillar of strength but also a shining example of compassion and unity.
My relationship with Mrs. Rodriguez began through chance encounters at community events and gatherings. Over time, those chance meetings blossomed into a friendship built on mutual respect and shared values. Through our conversations and shared experiences, I came to admire not only her resilience but also her unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.
Mrs. Rodriguez’s journey toward becoming a champion of inclusion is deeply rooted in her own lived experiences. As an immigrant who arrived in our country with little more than hope and determination, she faced numerous challenges and obstacles on her path to building a new life. However, instead of allowing these challenges to embitter her, Mrs. Rodriguez chose to channel her energy into fostering connections and building bridges between people from different backgrounds.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mrs. Rodriguez’s advocacy for inclusion is her ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue across cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic divides. Through her involvement in various community organizations and grassroots initiatives, she has created spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to share their stories, celebrate their differences, and find common ground. Whether it’s organizing multicultural potlucks, hosting language exchange programs, or spearheading interfaith dialogues, Mrs. Rodriguez’s efforts have helped break down barriers and foster understanding among community members.
But Mrs. Rodriguez’s impact extends far beyond organized events and structured programs. In her everyday interactions with friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, she exudes warmth and hospitality, making everyone feel welcome and valued. Whether it’s offering a helping hand to a newcomer, lending a listening ear to someone in need, or simply sharing a smile and a kind word, she embodies the spirit of inclusion in everything she does.
As a mother and grandmother, Mrs. Rodriguez is also deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of inclusive leaders. She takes every opportunity to instill in her children and grandchildren the values of empathy, compassion, and acceptance. Whether it’s through bedtime stories that celebrate diversity or family discussions about current events, she imparts invaluable lessons about the importance of embracing differences and standing up for what is right.
Mrs. Rodriguez serves as a source of inspiration and hope in a world that is frequently divided and strife. Her tireless efforts to promote inclusion remind us that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same human family, bound together by our shared humanity. As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2024, let us honor women like Mrs. Rodriguez who embody the spirit of inclusivity and remind us of the power of unity in creating a better world for all.
Category: Competition, Featured, Nonfiction, SNHU Student